WAC 296-96-02575   How do we enforce hoistway pressurization?  Pressurization requirements. Elevator hoistways shall be pressurized to maintain a minimum positive pressure of 0.10 inches of water column with respect to adjacent occupied space on all floors and a maximum pressure so as to not prevent the automatic operation of the elevator doors, as well as accounting for the stack and wind effect expected on the mean low temperature January day. This pressure shall be measured at the midpoint of each hoistway door, with all hoistway doors open at the designated primary recall level and all other hoistway doors closed. The supply air intake shall be from an outside, uncontaminated source located a minimum distance of twenty feet from any air exhaust system or outlet.

     (1) Elevator doors. Each elevator door shall operate properly when hoistway pressurization is in effect.

     (2) Hoistway venting. Hoistway venting required by Section 3004 need not be provided for pressurized elevator shafts.

     (3) Machine rooms. Elevator machine rooms shall be pressurized in accordance with this section unless separated from the hoistway shaft by construction in accordance with the International Building Code, Section 707.

     (4) Special inspection. Special inspection for performance shall be required in accordance with the International Building Code, Section 909.18.8. System acceptance shall be in accordance with the International Building Code, Section 909.19.

     (a) The elevator department must observe the operation of the doors and insure proper documentation and tags are on site.

     (b) Devices shall have an approved identifying tag or mark on them consistent with the other required documentation and shall be dated indicating the last time they were successfully tested and by whom.


EXEMPTION: Special purpose and residential elevators are exempt from this section.




[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.87 RCW. 08-23-085, § 296-96-02575, filed 11/18/08, effective 12/19/08; 07-24-041, § 296-96-02575, filed 11/30/07, effective 1/1/08.]